Christopher Nkunku: Chelsea Set to Sign RB Leipzig and France Striker

Christopher Nkunku: Chelsea Set to Sign RB Leipzig and France Striker

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:20 PM
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  • Chelsea have reportedly sealed the signing of RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku
  • The Blues were heavily linked with the French attacker and even signed a pre-contract agreement a few months ago
  • Nkunku is expected to join the club next summer despite having few options upfront

Chelsea's pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku is close to an end after reliable reports confirmed that he has signed a deal with the Blues and is expected to join next summer.

Nkunku is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe and it looks like Graham Potter's side have won the race to sign him.

Chelsea, Christopher Nkunku, Graham Potter, Todd Boehly, Premier League, France, RB Leipzig
Christopher Nkunku was ruled out of the 2022 World Cup due to injury. Photo by Fabrizio Romano and Markus Gilliar .
Source: Getty Images

Nkunku was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but a potential move did no0t materialise.

According to the Athletic, the Frenchman signed a pre-contract to join Chelsea for the 2023/24 season. Todd Boehly is understood to have committed to paying more than the €60million release clause in his contract.

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The Blues decided to sign the deal to avoid a battle with top European side and the release clause kicks in next summer therefore wanted to secure the deal early.

Nkunku deal sealed?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the deal is signed and sealed. The Frenchman will join the club in the summer of 2023. However, with Chelsea's depleted frontline, reports claimed he could join early in January.

Potter's team have been linked with several strikers following the long-term injury sustained by Armando Broja during a friendly last week, per Football.London.

Nkunku was hoping to make his World Cup debut with France but picked up an injury which ruled him out of the 2022 tournament.

The 25-year-old scored 35 goals and registered 20 assists in 52 appearances for RB Leipzig in 2021-22.

Chelsea stance on Nkunku

Sports Brief earlier reported on the Blues' stance on Nkunku after the horrible injury to young striker Armando Broja.

Potter’s side is currently extremely short of striking options, and the latest injury to Broja does little to help their cause with the Premier League on the horizon.

It was stated Nkunku was expected to instead join the Londoners in the summer, so they would instead look at other options in the meantime.

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Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.